What is Flash Memoir?

As the genre of memoir continues to evolve, I’m fascinated by the way writers are stretching its edges. Lately, I’ve been especially curious about Flash Memoir, which seems to be in vogue.

Think Tiny Love Stories in the New York Times—those compact, emotional snapshots that somehow embody a whole world. This sub-genre can range from short to flash to micro length, capturing pivotal, fleeting moments that shape a life.

It’s simply another way to tell a story, one that honors brevity and emotional precision.

That’s why I’m excited to invite you to our next Spirit of Story live event on Tuesday, August 19th with award-winning author and teacher Sue William Silverman.

Sue has written an entire book in flash. Her forthcoming collection, Selected Misdemeanors: Essays at the Mercy of the Reader, is made up of 'unapologetic word grenades'—short, potent essays that show exactly how this form works.

And she’s going to break it down for us.

This conversation will be a masterclass in flash memoir—what it is, how it’s structured, and how you can harness its power.

I hope you’ll join us live, with space to ask questions and connect with Sue directly. And if you can’t make it, I’ll be sharing the replay afterward.